NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley's driver charged with high-range drink-driving near Bega
Yasmin Catley's driver has been charged with high-range drink-driving in NSW's south. (ABC South East NSW: Isla Evans)
In short:
The NSW police minister's driver has been charged with high-range drink-driving on the far south coast.
The 55-year-old man was allegedly seen driving dangerously before returning a positive result on a roadside breath test.
What's next?
The NSW government employee is due to appear before Bega Local Court on December 23.
NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley's driver has been charged with high-range drink-driving.
The 55-year-old man was seen allegedly driving dangerously in a Toyota Prado in the Bemboka area, about 35 kilometres west of Bega on the far south coast, just before 3pm on Tuesday.
A short time later officers located the Toyota parked on the Snowy Mountains Highway.
The government employee was subjected to a roadside breath test and allegedly returned a positive result.
He was arrested and taken to Bega Police Station where he returned a breath analysis reading of 0.183.
He was charged with driving with high-range PCA and has had his licence suspended.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Ms Catley said she had spoken with the driver.
"The circumstances around this incident is very concerning, "she said.
When asked if the driver was using a ministerial car at the time of the offence, Ms Catley said the question was most appropriate for the premier's department.
"This matter is now before the court and I will not be commenting further," she said.
A premier's department spokesperson would not be drawn on the individual matter but said their code of conduct had "clear requirements regarding consumption of alcohol while at work".
Yasmin Catley attending the opening of the new Bega Police Station on Wednesday. (ABC South East NSW: Isla Evans)
Earlier, Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon told ABC Radio South East NSW he briefed Ms Catley on the charge last night.
"It's very disappointing, as you know, police take drink-driving very seriously because of the risks to the public,"he said.
"The appropriate action has been taken."
Commissioner Lanyon and Ms Catley are in Bega today for the opening of a new $23 million police station.
Ms Catley's driver is due to appear before Bega Local Court on December 23.